Genentech, Roche to resume Avastin Phase III

DNA and Roche (SWX:ROCZ) said a DSMB recommended resuming the Phase III AVANT trial of Avastin bevacizumab to treat early stage colon cancer. The DSMB found that the 60-day safety data were consistent with results seen in other adjuvant studies in colon cancer and were similar between treatment groups. Enrollment was suspended in February because of a higher rate of adverse events in the Avastin/ XELOX arm than in the Avastin/FOLFOX and FOLFOX alone arms (see BioCentury Extra, Monday Feb. 13, 2006). The trial will now have a cardiac monitoring plan. ...